corrosive

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adjective cor·ro·sive \ kə-ˈrō-siv , -ziv \

Definition of corrosive

1 :tending or having the power to corrode

corrosive acids

corrosive action

the corrosive effects of alcoholism

2 :bitingly sarcastic

corrosive satire

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corrosive

noun

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corrosively

adverb

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corrosiveness

noun

See corrosive defined for English-language learners

See corrosive defined for kids

Examples of corrosive in a Sentence

She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society.
a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers

Recent Examples of corrosive from the Web

If Adams truly is the most formidable defender of the Trump presidency, then the best defense of the president is grounded in corrosive moral nihilism.

— conor friedersdorf, The Atlantic, "Scott Adams's Nihilistic Defense of Donald Trump," 21 Aug. 2017
An investigation is corrosive of his capacity to carry out his responsibilities.

— andrew c. mccarthy, National Review, "Rosenstein Fails to Defend His Failure to Limit Mueller’s Investigation," 7 Aug. 2017
Scott Lillard, a professor with the corrosive engineering program at the University of Akron, said understanding corrosion is a case-by-case basis, based on the type of metal, type of coatings and outside factors such as weather.

— emily bamforth, cleveland.com, "Ohio inspectors don't check for internal corrosion in carnival rides; that's up to operator, based on manufacturer guidelines," 7 Aug. 2017
Anglers in other coastal states fish high-salinity water that is not only less productive but also more corrosive to gear.

— wes coast, NOLA.com, "Six baitcasting reels under $200, perfect for South Louisiana," 12 July 2017
And for another, as Cornyn has learned, treating comprehensive health insurance as a socialistic vice corrosive of American values just does not accord with the actual values of actual Americans.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Some Republicans Dislike Health Insurance So Much They Don’t Mind If You Lose It," 8 July 2017
The Salt Fog Chamber simulates coastal fogs that carry corrosive salt inland, with the potential for corroding military equipment.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Explosion, Fire at Eglin Air Force Base Test Center," 6 July 2017
Adams's worst fears seem to describe today's corrosive political environment.

— j. paul pope, Fortune, "5 Lessons Trump’s America Can Learn From 1776," 4 July 2017
The switch to the more corrosive river water without the DEQ requiring the addition of corrosion control chemicals resulted in lead leaching into the drinking water and a spike in lead levels in the blood of Flint children.

— paul egan, Detroit Free Press, "State sues Flint over delays in approving drinking water source," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'corrosive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of corrosive

14th century

corrosive Synonyms

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

CORROSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

corrosive

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adjective

Definition of corrosive for English Language Learners

: causing damage to metal or other materials through a chemical process
: causing someone or something to become weak and damaged

CORROSIVE Defined for Kids

corrosive

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adjective cor·ro·sive \ kə-ˈrō-siv , -ziv \

Definition of corrosive for Students

:tending or able to destroy, weaken, or wear away little by little

corrosive substances

Medical Dictionary

corrosive

play

adjective cor·ro·sive \ -ˈrō-siv, -ziv \

medical Definition of corrosive

:tending or having the power to corrode

corrosive acids

a corrosive gas

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corrosiveness

noun

corrosive

noun

medical Definition of corrosive

:a substance that corrodes :caustic

Learn More about corrosive

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corrosive

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Medical Dictionary

corrosive

medical Definition of corrosive

corrosiveness

corrosive

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